Posted on Sat 3 December 2022
THE KUFR OF CHILD’S PLAY, GAMES, BIRTHDAYS & CELEBRATIONS
Computer games, comics, fiction novels, apparently harmless cards, metal disks found it various food products…and many other such “toys” have become the “in thing” with most children and teenagers. Yet, are they really as harmless as they seem? And do they have no effect on the impressionable minds of young children? Many parents have experienced that a great number of these forms of “entertainment” have a dramatic negative impact on young minds. If one looks carefully at these toys, with the spectacles of Imaan and through the eyes of the Qur’aan and Sunnah, the danger will be glaring.

SHIRK IN GAMES

Among the thousands of titles of computer games, subtle messages of immoral behavior and even shirk (idol worship) can be discerned. The “characters” in one game can be controlled to interact with other characters in various ways. Some of these ways are clearly what amounts to illicit contact in terms of Shariah. Imagine the effect on children who continuously control the characters to behave in an illicit manner? Another game takes the player through various stages wherein he conquers the enemies. As he progresses to higher levels, he eventually comes to the “Grand Temple” and his prize is to come into the court of the “Grand Master”, etc. In the process of these “games” many subtle messages settle in the mind and heart. Allah forbid, they could become the stepping stone to acting in a like manner in real life.

METAL DISKS AND CARDS

The metal disk and cards in packets of chips, boxes of cereals and other products are also a cause for great concern. Apart from the eerie faces and horrid pictures on the cards, they largely centre on magic, wizards and fairies. The “powers” of one card character is listed as “omnipotent”. Omnipotence is an attribute of Allah Ta’ala alone. The aspect of shirk in this is obvious. Fiction novels are another major factor in the breakdown of Islamic morals and respect in the youth. Many fiction books that are very popular among school-going boys and girls are books that encourage “dating” and in general the illicit boy-girl relationships that are a standard feature in Western society. Many comic books also centre on illicit boy–girl relationships. Children reading these “comics” for entertainment are affected by the behavior of the characters. The negative effects are bound to fall in their impressionable minds. Parents can never afford to be complacent with regard to what their children play with. The damage to their character and Imaan can be disastrous. We cannot allow anyone to play with the Imaan and character of our children!!!

CELEBRATIONS

The World Book Dictionary defines Christmas in the following manner:

“1. The yearly celebration of the birth of Christ; December 25. Christmas is marked by special Church services, giving gifts and sending of greetings.

The religious and festive season before and after Christmas day.”

As for New Year’s Day, the World Book Encyclopaedia describes it in the following words: “The Roman ruler Julius Caesar established January 1st as New Year’s Day in 46 B.C. The Romans dedicated this day to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings. January was named after Janus, who had two faces-one looking forward and the other looking backward. The early Romans gave each other New Year’s gifts of branches from sacred trees. In later times, they gave coins, imprinted with pictures of Janus, or gold covered nuts.” Likewise, Easter is described as: “the yearly celebration of the day on which Christ rose from the grave.” These are celebrations of Kufr and Shirk. May Allah Ta’ala protect our Imaan.

8 Jamaadil Ula 1444 – 3 December 2022